The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Part 48

Scene III.

Pirro, _and afterwards_ Angelo.

PIRRO.

All inquisitive visitors. How I have been questioned! Who comes here?

(_Enter_ Angelo, _in a short mantle, with which he conceals his face_.)

 

ANGELO.

Pirro! Pirro!

PIRRO.

An acquaintance, it seems. (Angelo _throws back the mantle_). Heavens!

Angelo. You!

ANGELO.

Yes, Angelo, as you perceive. I have been wandering long enough round the house, in order to speak to you. One word with you----

PIRRO.

And dare you again appear in public? Don't you know that, in consequence of your last murder, you are declared an outlaw, a price has been put upon your head?

ANGELO.

You don't intend to claim it, I presume?

PIRRO.

What do you want? I implore you not to involve me in misfortune.

ANGELO.

In this way, you mean? (_Showing a purse_). Take it; it belongs to you.

PIRRO.

To me?

ANGELO.

Have you forgotten? The German gentleman, your last master----

PIRRO.

Hus.h.!.+

ANGELO.

----Whom you led into our clutches on the road to Pisa----

PIRRO.

If any one should overhear us!

ANGELO.

----Had the kindness, you know, to bequeath us a valuable ring. Do you not remember? It was so valuable that we could not immediately convert it into money without suspicion. At length, however, I succeeded. I received a hundred pistoles for it, and this is your share. Take it.

PIRRO.

No, no! You may keep it.

ANGELO.

Well, with all my heart! If you don't care at what price you put your head in the market.

PIRRO.

Give it me, then (_takes it_). And now, what do you want? for I suppose you did not come in search of me merely for that purpose.

ANGELO.

It seems to you not very credible. Rascal! what do you think of us?

That we are capable of withholding any man's earnings? That may be the way with honest people; but we don't follow their fas.h.i.+ons. Farewell!

(_Affects to be going, but turns at the door_). One question I must ask. Old Galotti has just come hurriedly into town quite alone. What does he want?

PIRRO.

Nothing, merely a ride. His daughter is to be married this evening, at his country house, whence he has come to Count Appiani. He awaits the moment with impatience.

ANGELO.

Then he will return soon?

PIRRO.

So soon, that if you remain any longer he will discover you. But you surely have no thoughts of attacking him. Take care. He is a man----

ANGELO.

Don't I know him? Have I not served under him in the army; but nevertheless if one could only get much from him! At what time do the young people follow him?

PIRRO.

Towards noon.